Network Analysis of the Association between Minority Stress and Activism in LGB People from Poland.

(1) Background: This paper presents an analysis of the associations between minority stressors and activism in the population of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals in Poland. (2) Methods: The cross-sectional online-based research was conducted among 192 lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people in two groups: activists (n = 51) and people not engaged in activism (n = 141). Four scales of the Sexual Minority Stress Scale were used: Internalized Homophobia, Expectation of Rejection, Concealment, and Sexual Minority Negative Events Scale. Activism was measured using the Activism Scale and a single item asking about belonging to an activist group. (3) Results: Activists, lesbians, and gays scored significantly higher in the Sexual Minority Negative Events than people not involved in activism and bisexual individuals. Attitude toward LGBT+ activism correlated weakly and positively with Sexual Minority Negative Events and Expectation of Rejection while negatively with Internalized Homophobia. The Network Analysis showed that positive attitudes toward LGBT+ activism, the expectation of rejection, and negative events in minority stress are the most influential variables in the network model, playing a crucial role in the interaction between particular dimensions of minority stress. (4) Conclusions: Prevention and intervention programs should focus on reducing minority stress, especially negative events and rejection, especially among lesbians, gays, and people engaged in LGBT+ activism. The cooperation of politicians, lawyers, social workers, and psychologists is required to decrease homophobia and the stigmatization of people representing sexual and gender minorities.

Procrastination Mediates the Relationship between Problematic TikTok Use and Depression among Young Adults.

Background: Although the prevalence of depression has increased significantly in recent years, especially in the young adult population, little is known about its causes and risk factors. The study aims to examine the mediating role of TikTok use in the relationships between procrastination and depression in young adults. Methods: A sample of 448 adults, ranging in age from 18 to 35 years (M = 24.45, SD = 3.76), including 214 men (48%), participated in the study. The cross-sectional survey consists of a modified Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) to assess problematic TikTok use (PTTU), the Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS) for procrastination measurement, and the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for screening depression symptoms. Results: The independent samples t-test indicates that emerging adults (ages ranging between 18 and 25 years) have more severe depression symptoms than young adults (26-35 years old). Gender differences were not found for procrastination, PTTU, and depression symptoms. Positive correlations were found between procrastination, PTTU, and depression symptoms. PTTU plays a mediating role in the associations between procrastination and depression. Conclusions: Both procrastination and PTTU treatment should be prioritized in the prevention and intervention programs for improving mental health among young adults. Some effective therapeutic methods are recommended.

The Moderating Effect of Body Appreciation on the Relationship between Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Although positive associations between life satisfaction, self-esteem, and body image have previously been established, differences in these variables by gender and age have yielded mixed results. Moreover, little is known about the interplay between self-esteem and body appreciation on life satisfaction. This study aims to investigate the moderating effect of body appreciation on the relationship between self-esteem and life satisfaction, considering disparities between females and males and also between emerging adults (before the age of thirty) and older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was performed in Poland with a sample of 449 adults aged between 18 and 75 (M = 30.41, SD = 12.72), including 68% of women. The survey included the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2). RESULTS: Men scored higher than women in terms of life satisfaction and self-esteem, while older participants (age > 30) scored higher than younger individuals (age ≤ 30) in terms of life satisfaction, self-esteem, and body appreciation. The study confirmed positive and moderate correlations between life satisfaction, self-esteem, and body appreciation. The interactive effect of self-esteem and body appreciation on life satisfaction was also found by controlling for age and gender. CONCLUSIONS: Some intervention programs focused on increasing levels of self-esteem and body appreciation should be implemented, especially among women and emerging adults, to improve their well-being.

The relationship between mindfulness and athletes' mental skills may be explained by emotion regulation and self-regulation.

BACKGROUND: Although numerous psychological determinants of sports success have been identified in the scientific literature, research on the contribution of mindfulness and interoceptive awareness to sports achievements remains limited. This study investigates the relationship between self-reported mental skills determining sports success (i.e., flow state, attention, technique, sensitivity to error, commitment, and achievement), state mindfulness for physical activity (of the mind and the body), and interoceptive awareness (including scales of noticing, not distracting, not worrying, attention regulation, emotional awareness, self-regulation, body listening, and trusting). METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on a sample of elite athletes in speed skating (n = 54) and university students of physical education (n = 102) representing various sports disciplines and competitive levels. The Sports Success Scale (SSS), the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity (SMS-PA), and the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-2) were used to assess psychological determinants of athletic achievements, state mindfulness, and interoceptive sensitivity, respectively. RESULTS: Our findings indicate some small-to-moderate differences in particular dimensions of psychological traits related to sports success, mindfulness, and interoceptive awareness between athletes of different genders, groups, and competitive levels. A chain mediation model showed that the relationship between body mindfulness and psychological variables determining sports success is fully explained by two dimensions of interoception: self-regulation and attention regulation. CONCLUSIONS: Cultivating the mindfulness state of the body can improve self-regulation and attention regulation, which in turn may increase the mental skills required for successful sports participation. Therefore, mental training should focus primarily on body mindfulness, attention regulation, and self-regulation to improve the mental skills responsible for athletes' sports achievements. In addition, individual differences in athletes' gender, sports discipline, and level of sports competition should be considered during mental training.

Mental Health and well-being During the COVID-19 Pandemic and After the Russian Invasion of Ukraine.

The study compared the mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A repeated online cross-sectional study was performed twice among university students in Ukraine: in November 2020 (Pre-war sample, n = 752) and September-October 2022 (During-war sample, n = 862). The survey measured life satisfaction (SWLS), perceived stress (PSS-10), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). Stress, anxiety, and life satisfaction levels were similar during the war and pandemic, while symptoms of depression decreased during the war, compared to the pandemic. Network analysis showed that anxiety has a crucial effect on depression and stress, and stress is most closely related to life satisfaction. The association of life satisfaction with anxiety and depression disappeared in wartime, in contrast to the pandemic. The priority of prevention and intervention programs in wartime Ukraine should focus on anxiety as the most influential factor in other mental health and well-being problems. The results showed high resistance and adaptation to war conditions among university students in Ukraine.

Validation of the shortened 24-item multidimensional assessment of interoceptive awareness, version 2 (Brief MAIA-2).

The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) was translated into many languages and frequently used in the last decade to assess self-reported interoceptive awareness. However, many studies demonstrated weaknesses regarding unstable factor structure and poor reliability of some scales. The 24-item Brief MAIA-2 questionnaire was developed, with only three items demonstrating the highest factor loadings in each of the eight scales of the MAIA-2. The cross-sectional online study used the 37-item MAIA-2 questionnaire in a non-clinical sample of 323 people aged between 16 and 75 (M = 26.17, SD = 9.12), including 177 women (54.80%). The sample comprised 156 athletes (48.30%) and 167 non-athletes (51.70%). The Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed adequate fit indices for a multidimensional model of the Brief MAIA-2, with the original eight scales: Noticing (awareness of subtle bodily sensations, such as the heartbeat, digestive sensations, or the breath), Not Distracting (ability to maintain attention to bodily sensations without being easily distracted by external stimuli), Not Worrying (tendency to not be overly concerned or anxious about bodily sensations or changes in the body), Attention Regulation (ability to regulate attention to bodily sensations and to shift attention between internal and external stimuli), Emotional Awareness (awareness and understanding of how emotions are associated with bodily sensations), Self Regulation (ability to regulate emotional responses and manage distress through an awareness of bodily sensations), Body Listening (tendency to listen to the body for insight and understanding), and Trusting (trust in bodily sensations as a source of information about one's feelings and needs). The hierarchical bi-factor (S·I - 1) model showed even better-fit indices. Therefore, the general factor of interoception was considered in further statistical tests. Confirmatory composite analysis showed high reliability and discriminant and convergent validity for most Brief MAIA-2 scales, except Noticing. Measurement invariance was confirmed across genders (Women, Men) and sports participation (Athletes, Non-athletes). However, group differences were also found for mean scores in particular scales of the Brief MAIA-2. Men scored significantly lower than women in Not Distracting but higher in Not Worrying, Attention Regulation, Self Regulation, Trusting, and the total score of interoceptive awareness. Gender discrepancies may be influenced by linguistic socialization, which tends to categorize shifts in internal states as either physiological or emotional. Athletes scored significantly lower than Non-athletes on the Not Distracting scale, but they showed higher scores in Noticing, Attention Regulation, Emotion Awareness, Self-Regulation, Body Listening, Trusting, and the global score, suggesting that physical training can improve most areas of interoception. Therefore, physical exercises and mindfulness training may be recommended to improve interoception, especially in women and people suffering from somatic and mental problems. The Brief MAIA-2 is a reliable and valid tool to measure multidimensional interoceptive sensibility in a non-clinical population. To improve well-being and athletic performance, Brief MAIA-2 can be used to assess the body's current perception of interoception and to detect its weak areas requiring improvement. However, the study has some limitations, such as a cross-sectional online self-report survey in a conventional non-clinical sample from Poland. Future cross-cultural studies should include representative samples for non-clinical and clinical populations from different countries and geographic regions to compare the Brief MAIA-2 with more objective psychophysiological methods of measuring interoception to reduce the limitations of these studies.

A path model of associations between war-related exposure to trauma, nightmares, fear, insomnia, and posttraumatic stress among Ukrainian students during the Russian invasion.

The present study examined the associations between war-related exposure, nightmares, fear, insomnia, and PTSD symptoms among university students from Western Ukraine. An online cross-sectional study was performed among 1,072 university students (80% of whom were women) during the war. Eight questions were developed to assess exposure to war, and seven items were designed regarding nightmares of war. War-related PTSD symptoms were assessed using an abbreviated six-item PTSD checklist (PCL-6), insomnia was measured using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and to examine fear of war, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FoCV-19S) was adopted. Positive correlations were found between exposure to war, nightmares of war, fear of war, insomnia, and war-related PTSD. The path model using structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis showed that the chain mediation partially explains the relationship between war exposure and war-related PTSD symptoms via nightmares of war, fear of war, and insomnia among university students during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Women scored significantly higher than men in fear of war and symptoms of insomnia and PTSD, but the path model was invariant across genders. Young adults require treatment focused primarily on nightmares, insomnia, and fear of war to prevent PTSD symptoms.

Exposure to war, war nightmares, insomnia, and war-related posttraumatic stress disorder: A network analysis among university students during the war in Ukraine.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the prevalence and associations between war-related variables among Ukrainians during the Russian invasion. The present study assesses the prevalence and associations between exposure to war (EW), nightmares of war (NW), insomnia, and war-related post-traumatic stress disorder (WPTSD) among university students from Ukraine. METHODS: During the war, an online cross-sectional study was performed among university students (N = 1072) from western Ukraine. Newly developed questions evaluated EW and NW, while insomnia was measured using Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and for assessing war-related PTSD symptoms, we adopted an abbreviated six-item PTSD checklist (PCL-6). The associations between exposure to war, nightmares of war, and symptoms of insomnia and PTSD were examined using network analysis (NA). RESULTS: Among university students, 98 % declared exposure to war, 86 % dreamed nightmares of war, 49 % experienced insomnia symptoms, and 27 % presented symptoms of PTSD. A network analysis found that war-related PTSD has a central and the greatest impact on the frequency of war nightmares and the severity of insomnia symptoms. LIMITATIONS: Self-report measurements were applied to a gender-unbalanced sample of university students from the western regions of Ukraine, so it would be inappropriate to generalize to the population directly affected by the war. CONCLUSIONS: War-related PTSD symptoms had the most significant impact on the other variables. Therefore, war-related PTSD should be a priority in treatment among university students in Ukraine. However, multidisciplinary integrative intervention programs that treat nightmares, insomnia, and PTSD, can be the most effective.

The Relationship between Minority Stress and Depressive Symptoms in the LGBTQA Population from Poland.

The cross-sectional study examines minority stress and depression symptoms regarding various sexual and gender minority (SGM) identities in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and asexual (LGBTQA) individuals from Poland. The online survey was conducted among 509 people. Participants aged between 18 and 47 (M = 22.39, SD = 4.78). Gender identity included 262 cisgender women, 74 cisgender men, 31 transgender women, 53 transgender men, and 89 nonbinary individuals. Sexual identity comprises 197 bisexual, 150 homosexual, 78 pansexual, 33 asexual, 21 undefined, 14 heterosexual, 9 demisexuals, 6 queer, and 1 sapiosexual individual. The Daily Heterosexist Experiences Questionnaire (DHEQ) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R) were used to measure minority stress and depression symptoms, respectively. Among LGBTQA participants, 99.80% declared minority stress at least once during the past year. In particular, vicarious trauma was experienced in 99.80% of participants, vigilance in 95.87%, harassment and discrimination in 80.35%, stress related to the family of origin in 69.16%, and to gender expression in 68.76% of respondents. Depression symptoms were found in 62.50% of respondents. Significantly higher rates of depression and minority stress were presented in dual than single SGM individuals. Binomial logistic regression showed that such sources of minority stress as vigilance, harassment, and gender expression could predict depression symptoms. Therefore, prevention and intervention programs should be designed for the LGBTQA population focusing on coping with these sources of minority stress, especially among those of dual SGM identity.

Efficacy of Oxybrasion and Cosmetic Acids on Selected Skin Parameters in the Treatment with Acne Vulgaris.

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an oxybrasion treatment applied alone and an oxybrasion treatment combined with cosmetic acids in improving acne-prone skin and selected skin parameters. Patients and Methods: A single-blind placebo study in a sample of 44 women diagnosed with acne vulgaris was conducted. Group A (n = 22) had a series of five oxybrasion treatments, while group B (n = 22) received a synergy of five oxybrasion treatments and a mixture of phytic, pyruvic, and lactic and lactic ferulic acids at 40% pH 1.4. Cosmetic treatments were performed every 14 days, and The Derma Unit SCC3 apparatus (Courage & Khazaka, Cologne, Germany) Sebumeter SM 815 and Corneometer CM825 and GAGS scale were used to check their effectiveness. Results: A Bonferroni post hoc test showed that group A and B did not differ from each other in acne severity before treatment (p = 1.00). However, these samples differed significantly after treatment (p < 0.001), suggesting that combined treatment of oxybrasion and cosmetic acids has a better effect than oxybrasion alone. Also, two treatment conditions (before and after) were statistically different for groups A and B separately (p < 0.001), indicating a similar efficacy of both treatments on acne severity. Conclusion: Cosmetic treatments improved acne-prone skin and selected skin parameters. Better results were obtained by combining an oxybrasion treatment with cosmetic acids. Clinical Trial Approval: The clinical trial with ID ISRCTN 28257448 approved this study.

Does Positive Thinking Help during Difficult Pandemic Times? The Role of Positive Orientation in the Relationship between Fear of COVID-19 and Perceived Stress.

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a huge challenge for the modern world. How people perceive themselves and their coping abilities is important for their mental health and well-being. One of the traits that may be important in effectively coping with difficulties is positive orientation: a stable cognitive disposition that is the opposite of depression and is associated with a positive perception of oneself, one's life, events, and the future. This study aimed to verify the role of positive orientation in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress. A sample of 907 Polish people took part in this study. FOC-6, P Scale, and PSS-10 questionnaires were used in the presented cross-sectional study. The analysis showed that women scored higher in fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress scores than men (Cohen's d indicated a moderate effect). There was no significant difference in the levels of positive orientation. P Scale results were significantly related to fear of COVID-19 (small effect) only for the whole studied sample, and not for women and men considered separately. Fear of COVID-19 was positively related to the perceived stress score (moderate effect). Positive orientation was negatively related to the PSS-10 scores (also moderate effect) for all tested groups. Fear of COVID-19 and positive orientation were significant predictors of perceived stress scores. The mediation effect of positive orientation was statistically significant, but the effect size was marginally small. Positive orientation is an important predictor of perceived stress, which could be related to the COVID-19 pandemic. People with a positive orientation better cope with the challenges of the pandemic and are optimistic about the future. Working on positive orientation can improve well-being and reduce tension, which is extremely important in difficult pandemic times.

Revisiting the multidimensional interaction model of stress, anxiety and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Although the Multidimensional Interaction Model of Stress, Anxiety and Coping (MIMSAC) has been known for years, there is a lack of research examining this theory longitudinally in stressful events. This study aims to revisit the MIMSAC among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A prospective cohort study with the longitudinal design was performed during the first (W1, March 30-April 29, 2020) and second wave (W2, November 3-December 3, 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 216 university students with a mean age of 22 years (ranging from 20 to 36, M = 22.13, SD = 2.04) participated in the study. An online survey included Perceived Stress Scale, Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. RESULTS: Due to the MIMSAC, all variables changed substantially across W1 and W2, adapting to an unpredictable environment. Women scored higher than men in stress, anxiety, emotion- and avoidance-oriented coping styles. We found the indirect effect of emotion-oriented coping on the stress-anxiety relationship and task-oriented coping on the anxiety-stress interaction. Avoidance was not found as a mediator in the stress-anxiety interaction. CONCLUSION: Emotion-oriented coping adversely affected mental health, increasing anxiety in response to stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Task-oriented coping efficiently decreased stress in reaction to high anxiety, but only in men. Avoidance seems to be an ineffective coping style during the COVID-19 pandemic. Campus intervention programs should focus on reducing negative emotions and increasing the frequency of task-oriented coping strategies among university students.

Efficacy of Hydrogen Purification and Cosmetic Acids in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report.

Acne and skin lesions that appear in its course deteriorate the quality of life of patients, cause depression and the emergence of suicidal thoughts. Cosmetic treatments can have a positive effect on improving skin condition by cleaning up skin eruptions, thus improving the well-being of affected people. Hydrogen purification is a treatment that uses alkaline water generated by a device, which reduces sebum from the surface of the epidermis. This is a novel treatment that has recently been introduced to beauty salons. On the other hand, cosmetic acids have been used for many years for treating people with acne vulgaris and give spectacular results in terms of improving the skin condition. In this study, skin condition was evaluated with a Derma Unit SSC 3 device. The Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) was used to check acne severity. Twenty-four women aged 19-21 years (M = 20.13, SD = 0.80) diagnosed with mild acne vulgaris and a high sebum level participated in the study. Group A underwent a hydrogen purification treatment using an H2jet manipulator, which ejected alkaline water from the manipulator under pressure. Group B underwent a hydrogen purification treatment with the use of a phytic, pyruvic, lactic and ferulic acids at 40% mixture (pH 1.4). A series of four treatments was performed at 14-day intervals in both groups. Skin parameters were measured before and 30 days after the series of treatment. Very good results were obtained in both groups. The skin eruptions in patients were reduced and we also observed lower amounts of sebum on the surface of the epidermis, and an improvement in skin hydration. However, in group B, the results were better than in group A. The study showed that the synergy of the treatments produced much better effects than those obtained by completing the hydrogen purification treatment alone.

Validation of the Brief Perceived Positive Lockdown Impact Scale PPLIS-4.

BACKGROUND: Although research showed that positive aspects of the lockdown were perceived during the pandemic, there are no tools to test the positive impact of mandatory social isolation on life. The present study aims to validate a newly developed, brief, four-item perceived positive lockdown impact scale (PPLIS-4). METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey study was formed among 4370 adults in three samples: Sample 1 consisted of university students from Poland and Ukraine, Sample 2 consisted of Polish university students under 26 (emerging adults), and Sample 3 consisted of Polish and Ukrainian adults above 25 (non-emerging adults). The standardized questionnaire was used for criterion validity to measure life satisfaction (SWLS), perceived stress (PSS-10), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) showed a one-factor solution in Sample 1 in Polish and Ukrainian university students. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and confirmatory composite analysis (CCA) showed the one-factor structure appropriate for the PPLIS-4 among emerging and non-emerging adults. Criterion validity was also confirmed since the PPLIS-4 was positively related to the SWLS and negatively related to stress, anxiety, and depression. CONCLUSIONS: The PPLIS-4 is a short but valid questionnaire to assess the positive aspects of lockdown. The PPLIS-4 can be used during the COVID-19 pandemic to measure some positive effects of changes in lifestyle as an aspect of resilience.

Associations of Work-Family Conflict with Family-Specific, Work-Specific, and Well-Being-Related Variables in a Sample of Polish and Ukrainian Adults during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The conflict between work and family demands increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to changes in lifestyle related to the lockdown. This study examines the associations between work-family conflict (WFC) and family-work conflict (FWC) with work-specific, family-specific, and well-being-related variables during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results may be used in practice to improve the well-being of employees by adjusting home-based work and family areas of life to dynamic changes during the pandemic. The sample of 736 adults from Poland (53.26%) and Ukraine (46.74%), aged between 19 and 72 (M = 39.40; SD = 10.80), participated in the study. The cross-sectional study was performed using an online survey, including sociodemographic variables, measures of WFC, time pressure, remote work assessment (RWAS), physical health (GSRH), life satisfaction (SWLS), perceived stress (PSS-10), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). This study showed numerous inter-group differences in all variables across the country, gender, relationship status, parenthood, caring for children under 12, and remote working status. A high WFC is more likely among Polish workers (than Ukrainian workers), people with a low level of self-perceived time pressure, and high symptoms of stress. Caring for children under 12, low self-perceived time pressure, and high stress can predict FWC. Various paths lead from perceived stress via WFC and FWC, physical health, anxiety, and depression to life satisfaction, as suggested by the structural equation modeling analysis. Parents of children under 12 and women are the most vulnerable groups for increased WFC, FWC, and worse mental health and well-being. Prevention programs should focus on reducing stress, anxiety, and work demands in these adult populations. A unique contribution to the existing knowledge revealed patterns of associations between WFC and FWC in relation to well-being dimensions in a cross-cultural context during the pandemic.

Adaptation and Preliminary Validation of the Fear of Coronavirus Vaccination Scale in the Prospective Study among a Representative Sample of Polish, Israeli, Slovenian, and German Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Although concerns about harm and side effects are among the most important factors determining vaccine hesitancy, research on the fear of vaccination is sparse. The purpose of this study is a validation the Fear of Coronavirus Vaccination Scale (FoCVVS), adapted from the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. A representative sample of 1723 young adults aged 20-40 from Poland, Israel, Slovenia, and Germany participated during two time-points of the third COVID-19 pandemic wave. The online survey included demographic variables and several well-being dimensions, including gender, vaccination status, fear of coronavirus (FoCV-19S), physical health (GSRH), life satisfaction (SWLS), and perceived stress (PSS-10), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed at T1, and confirmatory analysis (CFA) at T2. The second-order two-factor structure demonstrated the best fit and very good discriminant and convergent validation. The general factor of the FoCVVS included two subscales assessing the emotional and physiological symptoms of fear of vaccination. Unvaccinated people showed higher levels of fear of vaccination than those vaccinated. A vaccination status, fear of vaccination T1, and fear of COVID-19 T1 were significant predictors of fear of vaccination T2. Vaccination-promoting programs should be focused on decreasing fear and enhancing the beneficial effects of vaccination.

A Path Model for Subjective Well-Being during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study among Polish and Ukrainian University Students.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed several associations between physical and mental health dimensions and well-being. This study aims to examine a complex path model explaining the life satisfaction of university students from Poland and Ukraine during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The cross-sectional web-based study was performed in November 2020 using Google Forms. The conventional sample of 3230 university students from Poland (n = 1581) and Ukraine (n = 1649), aged 18-59 (M = 21.40, SD = 3.46), with 59% women, participated in the study. We used standardized questionnaires to measure life satisfaction (SWLS), self-reported physical health (GSRH), perceived stress (PSS-10), coronavirus-related PTSD (PCL-S), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). We also developed some questions to assess the exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic, positive effects of the pandemic, religiosity, and physical activity (PA). RESULTS: We found a high prevalence of stress, coronavirus-related PTSD, anxiety, and depression and a low level of life satisfaction and physical health. Polish students, women, and those with insufficient PA levels reported worse physical and mental health than Ukrainians, men, and those who exercised sufficiently during the pandemic. Low perceived stress can directly predict life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. Low stress also leads to better physical health, sufficient PA levels, high religiosity, and more perceived positive effects of the pandemic. Several indirect effects between particular variables and life satisfaction were also found in the path model. CONCLUSIONS: The target group for campus prevention programs is Polish university students, women, and people with insufficient PA levels. Intervention and prevention programs should focus on coping strategies and techniques for improving mental and physical health.

Network Analysis of Well-Being Dimensions in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Samples of University Students from Poland during the Fourth Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Although numerous studies investigated the predictors of vaccination intention and decision, little is known about the relationship between vaccination and well-being. This study compares the physical and mental health dimensions among vaccinated and unvaccinated people. In a cross-sectional online survey, 706 university students from Poland (mean age of 23 years, 76% of women) participated in this study during the fourth pandemic wave (November-December 2021). Standardized questionnaires with a Likert response scale were included in the survey to measure spirituality, exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic, perceived physical health, stress, coronavirus-related PTSD, fear of COVID-19, anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction. Consistent with the fuzzy-trace theory, the unvaccinated sample was younger and scored significantly lower than the vaccinated group in exposure to COVID-19, perceived physical health, stress, coronavirus-related PTSD, fear of COVID-19, and depression, while higher in life satisfaction. The network analysis showed that mental health plays a crucial role in both groups, with the central influence of anxiety and stress on depression and life satisfaction. The message on vaccination to university students should focus on the benefits of vaccination in maintaining the status quo of good health and well-being. Campus prevention programs should primarily aim to reduce anxiety, stress, and negative emotions by teaching students coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness.

Life Satisfaction and Instagram Addiction among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Bidirectional Mediating Role of Loneliness.

BACKGROUND: Social isolation during the lockdown, and the greater use of online platforms to connect with other people, can alter the dynamic relationship between loneliness, social media use, and subjective well-being. The study examines the mediating role of loneliness in the bidirectional association between Instagram addiction and life satisfaction. METHODS: A sample of 954 university students from Poland were enrolled in a cross-sectional online study during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants aged between 19 and 42 (M = 22.56, SD = 2.36), and most of them were women (86.48%). Standardized questionnaires were used to measure Instagram addiction (BIAS), loneliness (DJGLS), and life satisfaction (SWLS). RESULTS: The prevalence of Instagram addiction, loneliness, and dissatisfaction with life was 17.19%, 75%, and 40.15%, respectively. The mediating effect of loneliness on the relationship between Instagram addiction and life satisfaction was found bidirectionally in women but not among men. CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness seems to play a crucial role in the mechanism of social media addiction, so increasing loneliness should be a priority among emerging adults. The target group for intervention and prevention programs at campuses should include lonely and dissatisfied with life university students of the female gender.